Eight unforgettable European road trips to do in your lifetime

The continent is ripe for exploring by car – and you can even take your own. From Italy and Iceland to Greece, Sophie Dickinson helps you find your route

Even the most well-intentioned traveller can miss a country’s most remarkable corners. With time at a premium, the focus is often on ticking off as many sights as possible, or, if relaxation is the priority, securing a suitable sun lounger and remaining in place. The humble road trip is the remedy. Winding through country lanes, one is much more likely to stumble across that most cherished of things: a legitimate hidden gem.

The locations listed here are not under-visited because they are a hassle to get to, either. It is just a case of committing to the journey: setting off with the intention of travelling from place to place. More importantly, a road trip is a holiday of variety, with the diversity of a destination suddenly evident. Take Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, where craggy heathland makes way for dainty coves and wide beaches.

Ultimately, a road trip means the driver (or insistent passengers) are in control of detours. If those passengers happen to be child-size, they might be interested in the off-route gelaterias on a northern Italy tour. Or for those who would prefer to stop the car and stretch their legs, consider a journey through the dazzling Norwegian countryside.

For an obsessive planner, the road trip offers a chance to pore over maps, plot routes and organise scenic stops. The more leisurely traveller – who wants to dawdle and linger – will find pleasure in adaptability. Many good travel companies offer flexible flydrive itineraries, while also providing car hire, some meals and accommodation. Or for the very brave, the trip can be booked independently. Regardless, all that is left to do is pick the epic route that most appeals – and hit the road.

ICELAND

Name: The Ring Road Starts: Reykjavik Ends: Reykholt

Length: 820 miles

Route One, or the Ring Road (above), is Iceland’s most iconic driving route. It winds through fairytale towns and villages, displaying the country’s extraordinary geological features from the road. As the name suggests, it is a circular route – locals choose the direction that promises better weather. If time is on your side, however, wind round to the south, to places such as Selfoss and Hofn, to see valley glaciers up-close. Heading east, the road twists around fjordland; in the north, expect hot springs and serene beaches. And should you tire of the natural beauty, museums and galleries in Reykjavik and the surrounding area provide something more cosmopolitan, too.

Top tip

Be warned – inclement weather can lead to road closures, especially in the more mountainous areas. If you are considering a hilltop detour, check the Safe Travel website (safetravel.is) for up-to-date information.

How to do it

Trailfinders (020 7084 6500; trailfinders.com) offers a 12-night trip, Iceland’s Spectacular Ring Road, costing from£1,749 per person. The price includes car hire, bed and breakfast accommodation, activities, and entry to the blue lagoon. Excludes flights.

Play (flyplay.com) operates flights between London Stansted and Reykjavik with return fares costing from £71.